JP2008140064A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent execution of any unintended function by assigning functions to a series of operations by a user. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 101 decides whether or not a predetermined series of operations (the combination of the first operation and the second operation) have been performed with respect to the main body of a portable computer 100 based on an output from a three-axial acceleration sensor 107. When the predetermined series of operations have been performed, a user interface is displayed on a display picture 109. When the predetermined series of operations have been performed again in a state in which the user interface is displayed on the display picture 109, the display of the user interface on the display picture 109 is ended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an information processing apparatus, and particularly relates to an information processing apparatus including a touch screen.

  Some portable computers such as PDAs (personal digital assistants) and game machines detect the tilt of the main body and execute functions in accordance with the detected tilt. In such a portable computer, one function is assigned to the tilt of the main body in a predetermined direction, and another function is assigned to the tilt in another direction.

For example, tilting the computer in a particular direction (eg, clockwise) along the Y axis selects one input mode, and tilting the computer in another direction (eg, counterclockwise) along the Y axis. A method of selecting another input mode has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-202191 A

  The portable computer can be used in a state where it is placed on a stable place such as a desk. In practice, however, portable computers are often used in an unstable state held with one or both hands of a user. It is also conceivable for the user to use a portable computer in a running car, bus or train or during his walking. Therefore, when a user uses a portable computer, all kinds of vibrations are applied to the portable computer. In other words, the portable computer may be tilted in various directions regardless of the user's intention.

  Therefore, when the portable computer is configured to execute a predetermined function when the main body is tilted in a predetermined direction, vibration transmitted from the user's one or both hands to the portable computer, or an external factor such as an automobile Due to vibration caused by the portable computer, the portable computer may be tilted in the predetermined direction, and functions unintended by the user may be executed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that can assign functions to a series of operations by a user and prevent execution of unintended functions.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a main body, a touch screen device having a rectangular display screen provided on an upper surface of the main body, and a three-axis provided in the main body. A first operation of rotating the main body from an initial position in a first direction around a first axis parallel to one side of the display screen based on an output from the acceleration sensor and the three-axis acceleration sensor; A second sequence of rotation of the body about a second axis parallel to the one side of the display screen in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Detection means for detecting an operation; and display means for displaying a user interface for allowing a user to input data on the display screen of the touch screen device when the predetermined series of operations is detected by the detection means. Tool The information processing apparatus is provided which is characterized in that.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an information processing apparatus which assigns a function to a series of operation | movement by a user and can prevent execution of an unintended function can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This information processing apparatus is realized as a portable computer 100. The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the portable computer 100, and may be realized as a PDA, a game machine, a television, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a portable computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a system controller (chipset) 102, a memory 103, a touch screen device 104, a hard disk drive (HDD) 105, an embedded controller (EC) 106, a three-axis acceleration sensor (3D An acceleration sensor) 107, a touch screen 108, and the like.

  The CPU 101 is a processor that controls the operation of the portable computer 100. The CPU 101 executes an operating system (OS) and various application programs loaded from the HDD 105 to the memory 103. The CPU 101 also executes BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). The BIOS is a program for controlling peripheral devices. The BIOS is executed first when the portable computer 100 is turned on.

  The system controller 102 is connected to the memory 103, the touch screen device 104, and the HDD 105, and controls each of these devices. The system controller 102 has a function as a display controller that controls the rectangular display screen 109 of the touch screen device 104. The system controller 102 generates a display signal to be output to the touch screen device 104 from display data written in the memory 103 by the OS or application program. The display screen 109 of the touch screen device 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

  The EC 106 is a microcomputer for performing power management. The EC 120 turns on the personal computer 100 in cooperation with the power supply circuit. The portable computer 100 is driven by an external power source when an external power source is supplied through, for example, an AC adapter. When external power is not supplied, the portable computer 100 is driven by a battery built in the main body.

  The three-axis acceleration sensor 107 is a sensor that three-dimensionally detects the inclination (movement) of the main body of the portable computer 100 by simultaneously detecting accelerations in the three-axis directions (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis). . The acceleration represents the rate of change of speed per unit time. The triaxial acceleration sensor 107 supplies the acceleration for each of the three axes (x axis, y axis, z axis) to the CPU 101 as, for example, a change in voltage. Based on the output from the three-axis acceleration sensor 107, the CPU 101 detects a predetermined series of operations (a combination of two or more operations) performed by the user on the portable computer 100. That is, the CPU 101 functions as a detection unit.

  Examples of the triaxial acceleration sensor include a piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor using a piezoresistive effect and a capacitive triaxial acceleration sensor using a change in electrostatic capacitance. A piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor detects a distortion of a diaphragm (beam) generated when acceleration acts on a weight by using a piezoresistive effect. The piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor supports a weight by a thin silicon beam. When the portable computer 100 is tilted, the weight of the piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor moves and the beam is distorted. The acceleration is detected by the resistance change of the piezoresistive element formed on the beam. On the other hand, the capacitance type triaxial acceleration sensor has the same configuration as the piezoresistive type triaxial acceleration sensor, but the displacement of the diaphragm (beam) when the acceleration acts on the weight changes the capacitance. Detect with. Any of the piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor and the capacitive triaxial acceleration sensor can be used as the triaxial acceleration sensor 107. The triaxial acceleration sensor 107 is not limited to a piezoresistive triaxial acceleration sensor and a capacitive triaxial acceleration sensor. Any sensor that can detect the movement of the main body of the portable computer 100 can be used.

  The touch screen 108 is a screen on which a user can perform an input operation by touching the surface with a finger, a pen, a stylus or the like. The touch screen 108 is a rectangular transparent screen. When touched by the user's finger or the like, the touch screen 108 detects the coordinates of the touched portion and outputs a signal. Examples of detection methods include a pressure-sensitive type that detects a change in pressure and an electrostatic type that detects an electrical signal due to static electricity. The touch screen 108 is provided on a rectangular display screen 109 of the touch screen device 104, for example. The touch screen device 104 having the display screen 104 and the touch screen 108 can be integrally provided on the upper surface of the main body of the portable computer 100, for example, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to use the portable computer 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user can use the portable computer 100 while holding the portable computer 100 with the right hand RH and the left hand LH. In this state, the user can perform an input operation by touching the touch screen 108 provided on the upper surface (more specifically, the display screen 109) of the touch screen device 104 with a finger or the like. FIG. 2 shows a case where the software keyboard SK displayed on the display screen 109 of the touch screen device 104 can be seen through the touch screen 108. In this case, when the user touches a portion of the touch screen 108 corresponding to each key of the software keyboard SK, a signal corresponding to the key is input to the portable computer 100.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining a predetermined series of operations performed by the user detected by the CPU 101 of the portable computer 100 shown in FIG.

  When the user performs a predetermined series of operations (a combination of two or more operations) on the main body of the portable computer 100, the CPU 101 executes a predetermined function. More specifically, when the CPU 101 detects a predetermined series of operations based on the output from the triaxial acceleration sensor 107, a predetermined user interface (for example, software keyboard, command pad, etc.) is displayed on the display screen 109. indicate. Hereinafter, a case where the CPU 101 displays a software keyboard or command pad on the display screen 109 when detecting a predetermined series of operations will be described as an example.

  A predetermined series of operations performed by the user will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  In this specification, the predetermined series of operations includes a first operation and a second operation. First, the user moves the main body of the portable computer 100 in one direction, with the x axis parallel to the long side of the display screen 109 or the y axis parallel to the short side of the display screen 109 shown in FIG. Tilt to (turn). Thereafter, the portable computer 100 is tilted (rotated) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the main body is initially tilted. For example, the user tilts the upper end portion of the portable computer 100 in the direction (downward) indicated by the arrow 1 in FIG. 3A with the x axis as the rotation axis. Based on the output from the triaxial acceleration sensor 107 when this operation is performed, the CPU 101 detects the first operation and stores it in the memory 103. Thereafter, the user tilts the main body of the portable computer 100 whose upper end is tilted downward by the first operation in the direction (upward) indicated by the arrow 2 in FIG. Based on the output from the triaxial acceleration sensor 107 when this operation is performed, the CPU 101 detects the second operation. In this case, the CPU 111 determines that a predetermined series of operations, that is, the first operation and the second operation have been performed, and displays the software keyboard SK on the display screen 109 as shown in FIG. 3B. The user can view the software keyboard SK through the transparent touch screen 108. When displaying the software keyboard SK on the display screen 109, for example, the software keyboard SK may be slid in from the lower end portion of the display screen 109 toward the center portion (in the direction indicated by the arrow A).

  When the user performs again the above-described predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) while the software keyboard SK is displayed on the display screen 109, the CPU 101 displays the software keyboard. The display on the screen 109 is terminated. In addition, a timer may be set on the software keyboard, and when the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time t (for example, t = 10 seconds), the display on the display screen 109 of the software keyboard may be terminated. .

  FIG. 4 illustrates a predetermined series of operations that can be performed by the user on the portable computer 100 shown in FIG. 1 and a user interface displayed on the display screen 109 of the information processing apparatus in response to the operations. It is the schematic for doing. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the user holds and uses portable computer 100 as shown in FIG.

  For example, consider a case where the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. In this case, first, the user tilts the upper end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward (first operation). Thereafter, the user tilts the upper end of the main body of the portable computer 100 upward (second operation). In other words, the upper end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 is around the first axis parallel to the long side of the display screen 109 and is viewed downward from the initial position as viewed from the user (the upper end of the main body is relative to the direction of gravity. In a predetermined direction that moves downward), and then rotates upward around the second axis parallel to the long side of the display screen 109 as viewed from the user. As a result, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the upper end side of the display screen 109. The first axis and the second axis may be the same axis or different axes.

  When the user performs again a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) as indicated by the arrow A in a state where the software keyboard SK is displayed on the display screen 109, the CPU 101 Terminates the display of the software keyboard SK on the upper end side of the display screen 109. Further, when a timer is set in the software keyboard SK and the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time t (eg, t = 10 seconds), the display on the display screen 109 of the software keyboard SK is terminated. Good.

  In this specification, the initial position refers to a position (orientation) where the portable computer 100 is used when the user starts a predetermined series of operations. That is, it means an arbitrary position where the main body of the portable computer 100 is stationary. In the initial position of the portable computer 100, the portable computer 100 is in a state where the main body is level with respect to the ground, and the main body is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the ground (the touch screen 108 is directed to the opposite side of the ground). And a case where the touch screen 108 is opposed to the ground) and various states such as a state where the main body is perpendicular to the ground. Further, the position when the portable computer 100 is turned on is also included in the initial position.

  Further, consider a case where the main body of the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. In this case, the user tilts the lower end portion of the portable computer 100 downward (first operation). Thereafter, the user tilts the lower end portion of the portable computer 100 upward (second operation). In other words, the lower end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 is around the first axis parallel to the long side of the display screen 109 and viewed downward from the initial position as viewed from the user (the lower end of the main body is in the direction of gravity). Is rotated about a second axis parallel to the long side of the display screen 109 and viewed upward from the user. The first axis and the second axis may be the same axis or different axes. As a result, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the lower end side of the display screen 109.

  In a state where the software keyboard SK is displayed on the display screen 109, when the user performs a predetermined series of operations (a combination of the first operation and the second operation) as indicated by the arrow B described above, In other words, when the CPU 101 detects a predetermined series of operations again, the display on the lower end side of the display screen 109 of the software keyboard SK is terminated. When a timer is set for the software keyboard SK and the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time t (eg, t = 10 seconds), the display on the display screen 109 of the software keyboard SK is terminated. Also good.

  As described above, when the user first tilts the upper end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the upper end portion side of the display screen 109. On the other hand, when the user first tilts the lower end portion of the portable computer 100 downward, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the lower end portion side of the display screen 109. Therefore, the user can display the software keyboard SK in a desired area of the touch screen 108. Further, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the display screen 109 only when the user performs the second operation following the first operation. That is, when the user performs only the first operation or the second operation, and when only the first operation or the second operation is performed on the portable computer 100 due to an external factor, the software keyboard SK is displayed. It is not displayed on the screen 109. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the software keyboard SK from being displayed on the display screen 109 when the user does not intend.

  Consider a case where the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. In this case, the user tilts the left end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward (first operation). Thereafter, the user tilts the left end of the main body of the portable computer 100 upward (second operation). In other words, the left end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 is around the first axis parallel to the short side of the display screen 109 and viewed downward from the initial position as viewed from the user (the left end of the main body is in the direction of gravity). Is rotated about a second axis parallel to the short side of the display screen 109 and viewed upward from the user. The first axis and the second axis may be the same axis or different axes. As a result, the command pad CP is displayed on the left end side of the display screen 109.

  While the command pad CP is displayed on the left end side of the display screen 109, the user again performs a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) as indicated by the arrow C described above. If performed, in other words, when the CPU 101 detects a predetermined series of operations again, the display of the command pad CP on the left end side of the display screen 109 is terminated. Further, a timer is set for the command pad CP, and when the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time t (for example, t = 5 seconds), the display of the command pad CP on the display screen 109 is ended. May be. Alternatively, when a predetermined function of the command pad CP is executed (for example, when a user touches one button included in the command pad CP via the touch screen 108), the command pad CP is displayed on the display screen 109. A function for ending the display may be set in the command pad CP (hereinafter, such setting is referred to as a “user interface display end function”).

  Further, consider a case where the main body of the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by an arrow D in FIG. In this case, the user tilts the right end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward (first operation). Thereafter, the user tilts the right end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 upward (second operation). In other words, the right end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 is around the first axis parallel to the short side of the display screen 109 and is downward from the initial position as viewed from the user (the right end of the main body is in the direction of gravity). Is rotated about a second axis parallel to the short side of the display screen 109 and then viewed upward from the user. The first axis and the second axis may be the same axis or different axes. As a result, the command pad CP is displayed on the right end side of the display screen 109.

  In a state where the command pad CP is displayed on the right end side of the display screen 109, the user performs a predetermined series of operations (first operation and second operation) as indicated by the arrow D described above again. In other words, in other words, when the CPU 101 detects a predetermined series of operations again, the display of the command pad CP on the right end side of the display screen 109 is terminated. Further, a timer is set for the command pad CP, and when the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time t (for example, t = 5 seconds), the display of the command pad CP on the display screen 109 is ended. May be. Alternatively, a user interface display end function may be set in the command pad CP.

  As described above, when the user first tilts the left end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward, the command pad CP is displayed on the left end portion side of the display screen 109. On the other hand, when the user first tilts the right end portion of the main body of the portable computer 100 downward, the command pad CP is displayed on the right end portion side of the display screen 109. Therefore, the user can display the command pad CP in a desired area of the display screen 109. Further, the command pad CP is displayed on the display screen 109 only when the user performs the first operation and the second operation. That is, when the user performs only the first operation or the second operation, and when only the first operation or the second operation is performed on the portable computer 100 due to an external factor, the command pad CP is displayed. Not. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the command pad CP from being displayed on the display screen 109 when the user does not intend.

  In the above description, when the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by the arrow A or B in FIG. 4, the software keyboard SK is displayed on the upper end side or the lower end side of the touch screen 108, respectively. When the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by the arrow C or D in FIG. 4, the command pad CP is displayed on the left end side or the right end side of the display screen 109, respectively. However, when the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by the arrow C or D in FIG. 4, the software keyboard SK may be displayed on the left end side or the right end side of the display screen 109. Further, when the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by an arrow A or B in FIG. 4, the command pad CP may be displayed on the upper end side or the lower end side of the touch screen 108. Further, when the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by any of arrows A, B, C, and D in FIG. 4, the software keyboard SK or the command pad CP is displayed in the same area of the touch screen 108. You may let them. In the above description, even when the main body of the portable computer 100 is rotated as indicated by any of the arrows A, B, C, and D, the operation of tilting the main body downward is detected as the first operation. An operation of tilting the main body upward is detected as a second operation. However, the operation of tilting the main body of the portable computer 100 may be detected as the first operation, and the operation of tilting the main body downward may be detected as the second operation.

  The display fixing button will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B. In the present specification, the display fixing button refers to a software button having a function of continuing display on a display screen 109 of a user interface (for example, software keyboard SK, command pad CP, etc.). The display fixing button is displayed on the display screen 109. When the user operates the display fixing button (more specifically, when the user touches a part of the touch screen 108 corresponding to the display fixing button with a finger or the like), the CPU 101 temporarily detects a predetermined series of operations. To be stopped. Therefore, even when the user operates the display fixing button and the main body of the portable computer 100 is vibrated or tilted, the currently displayed user interface is continuously displayed on the display screen 109. . When the user operates the display fixing button again, detection of a predetermined series of operations by the CPU 101 is resumed.

  For example, once the user interface is displayed on the display screen 109, when vibration is applied to the main body of the portable computer 100, or when the main body is tilted unexpectedly, the seismic intensity and inclination thereof are determined as a predetermined series of operations. If detected, an operation unintended by the user may be performed. For example, the command pad may be unexpectedly displayed on the display screen 109, or the display of the software keyboard may be terminated during an input operation via the software keyboard. Therefore, by providing the display fixing button on the user interface, the user can stably continue the input operation to the user interface. For this reason, the usability of the portable computer 100 is improved.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of the software keyboard SK including the display fixing button. The software keyboard SK shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display screen 109 together with the display fixing button 109A. If the user performs a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) to display the software keyboard SK on the display screen 109 and then touches the display fixing button 109A, the software keyboard SK Display continues. Therefore, the user can continuously perform an input operation via the software keyboard SK.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of a command pad including a display fixing button. The command pad CP1 shown in FIG. 6A is associated with a volume control function or a brightness control function of the portable computer 100, for example. The command pad CP1 is displayed on the display screen 109 together with the display fixing button 109B. If the user performs a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) to display the command pad CP1 on the display screen 109 and then touches the display fixing button 109B, the command pad CP1 Display continues. Therefore, the user can perform volume control or luminance control through the command pad CP1 as needed.

  FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of another command pad including a display fixing button. Each of the buttons B1, B2, and B3 of the command pad CP2 shown in FIG. 6B is associated with a software application that can be executed on the portable computer 100, for example. The command pad CP2 is displayed on the display screen 109 together with the display fixing button 109C. If the user performs a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) to display the command pad CP2 on the display screen 109 and then touches the display fixing button 109C, the command pad CP2 is displayed. Is continued. Therefore, the user can start a desired application at any time via the command pad CP2.

  The information processing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an information processing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the information processing method according to the second embodiment, a predetermined series of motion detection processing is performed. When a predetermined series of operations is detected, a user interface is displayed on the display screen 109. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the information processing method according to the second embodiment is applied to the portable computer 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  First, it is determined whether or not the display fixing button is operated while the power of the portable computer 100 is on (step S700). When the display fixing button is operated (YES in step S700), detection of a predetermined series of operations is not started. On the other hand, when the display fixing button is not operated (NO in step S700), detection of a predetermined series of operations is started.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the first movement is detected based on the output from the triaxial acceleration sensor 107 (step S702). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the main body of the portable computer 100 has been rotated from the initial position around an axis parallel to one side of the display screen 109. The determination in step S700 is repeated until the first movement is detected. When the first movement is detected (YES in step S702), the direction of the first movement is stored in the memory 103. More specifically, the direction in which the portable computer 100 is first rotated is stored in the memory 103.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines based on the output from the triaxial acceleration sensor 107 whether or not a second movement opposite to the first movement direction stored in the memory 103 has been detected (step S706). . More specifically, it is determined whether or not the main body of the portable computer 100 has been rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which it was initially rotated. The determination in step S706 is repeated until the second movement is detected. When the second movement is detected (YES in step S702), the CPU 101 displays a predetermined user face on the display screen 109 (step S708).

  Note that the predetermined user face displayed in step S708 is not limited to one user face. For example, a different user face can be displayed according to the direction of the first movement. More specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the upper end or the lower end of the portable computer 100 is tilted downward around the first axis parallel to one side of the display screen 109 in the first movement. If so, a first user interface (eg, software keyboard SK) may be displayed. When the left end or the right end of the portable computer 100 is tilted downward around the second axis perpendicular to the first axis in the first movement, the second user interface (for example, the command pad CP) ) May be displayed. Alternatively, the first, second, third and fourth user interfaces may be assigned to each of a predetermined series of four types of operations as indicated by arrows A, B, C and D in FIG. it can.

  After a predetermined user face is displayed on the display screen 109, the process returns to step S700. When the user operates the display fixing button after displaying the predetermined user face (YES in step S700), the predetermined series of operation detection processing is not performed. On the other hand, when the user does not operate the display fixing button (YES in step S700), a predetermined series of operation detection processing is continued.

  According to the information processing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the user interface is displayed on the display screen 109 for a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation). Functions can be assigned, and the user interface can be prevented from being displayed on the display screen 109 unintentionally due to unexpected vibration or tilt. Further, by operating the display fixing button, it is possible to stably continue displaying a predetermined user interface. Note that the function that can be assigned to a predetermined series of operations (a combination of the first operation and the second operation) by the user is not limited to the function that causes the user interface to be displayed on the display screen 109, and any function can be used. Can be assigned.

  The information processing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an information processing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the information processing method according to the third embodiment, a predetermined series of motion detection processing is performed. When a predetermined series of operations is detected, the CPU 101 ends the display of the user interface on the display screen 109. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the information processing method according to the third embodiment is applied to the portable computer 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether a user interface is displayed on the display screen 109 (step S800). When the user interface is displayed on the display screen 109 (YES in step S800), the CPU 101 determines whether or not a timer is set for the currently displayed user interface (step S802).

  If a timer is set in the user interface (YES in step S802), it is determined whether a predetermined time has been reached (step S804). When the predetermined time is reached (YES in step S804), the display of the predetermined user interface is terminated (step S816).

  On the other hand, when the timer is not set in the user interface (NO in step S802), the CPU 101 determines whether the user interface display end function is set in the currently displayed user interface (step S806). .

  When the user interface display end function is set in the currently displayed user interface (YES in step S806), the CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined function has been executed (step S808). When the predetermined function is executed (YES in step S808), the display of the predetermined user interface, that is, the currently displayed user interface is ended (step S816).

  On the other hand, when the user interface display end function is not set in the currently displayed user interface (YES in step S806), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the first movement is detected (step S810). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the main body of the portable computer 100 has been rotated from the initial position around an axis parallel to one side of the display screen 109. The determination in step S810 is repeated until the first movement is detected. When the first movement is detected (YES in step S810), the direction of the first movement is stored in the memory 103. More specifically, the direction in which the portable computer 100 is first rotated is stored in the memory 103.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a second movement opposite to the first movement direction stored in the memory 103 is detected (step S814). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the main body of the portable computer 100 has been rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which it was initially rotated. The determination in step S814 is repeated until the second movement is detected. When the second movement is detected (YES in step S814), the CPU 101 ends the display of a predetermined user interface (currently displayed user interface) on the display screen 109 (step S816).

  According to the information processing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) is displayed on the display screen 109 of the user interface. It is possible to assign a function to terminate the user interface, and to prevent the user interface display from being terminated unintentionally due to an unexpected vibration or tilt. The function that can be assigned to a predetermined series of operations (combination of the first operation and the second operation) is not limited to the function that terminates the display on the display screen 109 of the user interface, and any function is assigned. be able to.

  Each of the information processing methods according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention described above can also be realized as a program executable by a computer.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment as it is. In the implementation stage, the present invention can be embodied by changing the components without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the usage method of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating a series of operation | movement by the user which the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 detects. It is the schematic which shows the state by which the user interface was displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for describing a series of operations that a user can perform on the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 and a user interface displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus in response to the operations. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structural example of the software keyboard containing a display fixing button. It is the schematic for demonstrating the example of a structure of the command pad containing a display fixed button. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structural example of another command pad containing a display fixing button. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the information processing method which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the information processing method which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Touch screen device, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... System controller (chip set), 103 ... Memory, 104 ... Touch screen device, 105 ... Hard disk drive (HDD), 106 ... Embedded controller, 107 ... 3-axis acceleration sensor (3D Acceleration sensor), 108 ... Touch screen, 109 ... Display screen, 109A ... Display fixed button, 109B ... Display fixed button, 109C ... Display fixed button, B1 ... button, B2 ... button, B3 ... button, CP ... Command pad, CP1 ... Command pad, CP2 ... Command pad, LH ... Left hand, RH ... Right hand, SK ... Software keyboard.

Claims (8)

The body,
A touch screen device having a rectangular display screen provided on the upper surface of the main body;
A three-axis acceleration sensor provided in the main body;
Based on an output from the three-axis acceleration sensor, a first operation in which the main body rotates in a first direction from an initial position around a first axis parallel to one side of the display screen, and then the display Detecting a predetermined series of movements of the main body, including a second movement of the main body in a second direction opposite to the first direction around a second axis parallel to the one side of the screen. Detection means;
Display means for displaying on the display screen of the touch screen device a user interface for allowing the user to input data when the predetermined series of operations is detected by the detection means. Information processing device.   The display means terminates the display of the user interface on the display screen when the predetermined series of operations is detected again by the detection means after the user interface is displayed on the display screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising display fixing means for continuously displaying the user interface displayed on the display screen by the display means.   The display means displays a first user interface on the display screen when the first axis and the second axis are axes parallel to the long side of the display screen, and the first axis 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second user interface is displayed on the display screen when the second axis is an axis parallel to a short side of the display screen. The first axis and the second axis are axes parallel to the long side of the display screen,
The display means displays the user interface on the upper end side of the display screen when the first direction is a predetermined direction in which the upper end of the main body moves downward with respect to the direction of gravity. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the direction is a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the user interface is displayed on a lower end side of the display screen. Each of the first axis and the second axis is an axis parallel to the short side of the display screen,
When the first direction is a predetermined direction in which the right end of the main body moves downward with respect to the direction of gravity, the display means displays the user interface on the right end side of the display screen, and The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the direction is a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the user interface is displayed on a left end side of the display screen.   The display means, when a timer is set in the user interface, when the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time, the display on the display screen of the user interface is terminated, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit terminates display of the user interface on the display screen when a predetermined function of the user interface is executed.

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